Selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 18th round of the 2003 Draft, A.J. Ellis had known only one organization since becoming a professional. That changed Aug. 25 when Ellis was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for Carlos Ruiz.
The swap of veteran backup catchers was shocking to both clubhouses, as Ruiz had spent his entire career with the Phillies since signing as an amateur free agent in 1998. Ellis returned to the Dodgers this season after agreeing to a one-year contract to avoid salary arbitration.
As much as Ellis was revered in the Dodgers clubhouse for his leadership, the Phillies were insistent on the 35-year-old being part of the trade for the same reason.